WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (May 8, 2020) -- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that, on Monday, Palm Beach County will be allowed to enter ‘Phase 1’ recovery, which involves, in part, the reopening of in-store retail sales; in-restaurant dining; and museums and libraries at 25% capacity, respectively, and requires businesses to follow applicable social distancing and safety guidelines. Mayor Keith A. James supports implementation of ‘Phase 1’ recovery in the City of West Palm Beach. However, the library will remain closed for at least a week.

“We are committed to re-opening the City of West Palm Beach in a smart and safe manner,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “This is one of several steps being undertaken that will greatly help many businesses and residents. I urge everyone, especially the elderly or individuals with pre-existing conditions, to continue to take precautions that are necessary to stay healthy and safe.”

Senior citizens should avoid close contact with people outside the home. All individuals, when in public, should maximize physical distancing from others.  Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for physical distancing. Face masks are recommended for all those in face-to-face interactions and where you can’t social distance.

Should the Governor’s executive order allow for the re-opening of barber shops, hair salons, and nail salons, the Mayor may enter a moratorium on those services for 72-hours.

For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/. To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial: (561) 822-1200 (TTY: 800-955-8771).